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Average Power Plant Operators Salary in Washington

Power Plant Operators in Washington state command an impressive average annual salary of $119,570, significantly surpassing the national average of $97,730. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the state's robust energy infrastructure demands and potentially specialized operational requirements unique to the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $119,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $157,150.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 570 Power Plant Operators, Washington presents a moderately sized, yet stable, employment landscape for this critical role. The Location Quotient of 0.8 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the consistent presence of this workforce indicates ongoing demand and operational necessity within the state's energy sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$119,570

The average Power Plant Operators in Washington earns+22.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$57.5

Weekly

$2,299

Monthly

$9,964

Power Plant Operators Salary Distribution in Washington

Career progression for Power Plant Operators in Washington typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The salary distribution, often visualized through percentiles, clearly illustrates this upward trajectory, with higher percentiles representing greater earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$81,220$39
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$89,678$43.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$124,050$59.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$149,463$71.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$157,150$75.6

Detailed Power Plant Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$119,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$103,884

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $119,570 in Washington offers a strong nominal income. However, the Cost of Living Index of 115.1 indicates that expenses are approximately 15.1% higher than the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is substantial, a portion of the higher salary is effectively consumed by the increased cost of goods and services in the state.

Job Market Context

570

Total Jobs

0.16

Per 1K Jobs

0.8

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington has 0.80x the national average concentration of Power Plant Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.8 for Power Plant Operators in Washington suggests that the state employs fewer of these professionals per capita compared to the national average. This could imply a less saturated job market, potentially leading to greater competition for available positions but also indicating that employers may need to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Power Plant Operators

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Power Plant Operators Salary$127,260↑ 6%42 mi
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Power Plant Operators Salary$143,370↑ 20%54 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Power Plant Operators make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Power Plant Operators in Washington is $119,570. This typically ranges from $81,220 for entry-level positions to $157,150 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 22.3% higher than the national median of $97,730.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Power Plant Operators?

Yes, Washington is a lucrative state for Power Plant Operators.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and while the cost of living is higher, the nominal income provides substantial earning potential.

Is Washington a good place to live for Power Plant Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($127,260) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.

What is the average salary for a Power Plant Operator in Washington?

The average annual salary for a Power Plant Operator in Washington is $119,570, which is considerably higher than the national average.

How does Washington's cost of living compare to the national average?

Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning it is approximately 15.1% more expensive to live there than the national average.

Is the job market for Power Plant Operators concentrated in Washington?

No, the Location Quotient of 0.8 indicates that the concentration of Power Plant Operators in Washington is slightly below the national average.

How many Power Plant Operators are there in Washington?

There are approximately 570 Power Plant Operators employed in Washington state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.16 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Power Plant Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington